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What can i expect being in "contempt of court" ?
Anonymous3 views3 answers
Upon finishing up an anti harassment case in which I was petitioner in a losing effort, I was frustrated and said, "I'll say what I want to say" after most of my evidence was denied entry.. I walked out and heard judge say, "write that person up for contempt of court"... I know this falls under 7.21 and $500.00, but will I get jail time for this small offense, or is this serious??
Could the judge just have entered this into record and I will not get served??
I did not respond to your previous post because I am not a Washington attorney. But, because you have reposted it I will give you my observations. Being in contempt of court brings a broad range of potential consequences from, yes, jail time, to the fine that you referenced. This also goes onto your permanent record. I would have to think that if they were going to pursue the matter that the court would have sent a bailiff to bring you back to court right away, but, from your posting this did not happen.
Many, many, many posters claim that they "can't afford" legal representation. The frustration that you faced due to the evidence being "denied entry" likely resulted due to improper and incomplete compliance with the rules of evidence. This is a prime reason why I frequently tell posters that the converse is true. That they can not afford NOT to retain legal counsel.
This answer is provided for informational purposes only. Actual legal advice can only be provided in an office consultation by an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction, with experience in the area of law in which your concern lies.
In Washington State, you cannot be sent to jail for contempt of court unless certain steps are followed. A judge may cite you and fine you for contempt of court for saying something that the judge didn't like under RCW 7.21.010(1)(a). However, for the judge to try to put you in jail, he would have to forward the case to the local prosecuting attorney. If the prosecutor decided to file a contempt action against you, you would have all the normal criminal rights -- right to remain silent, right to an attorney, right to have an attorney appointed if you cannot afford one, etc. However, from what you have described, that is very unlikely to happen.
